Good for men, but not for me: A qualitative study of factors preventing men from seeking psychological treatment for their binge-spectrum eating disorders.

Men with binge-spectrum eating disorders (BSEDs) often do not seek psychological treatment. Understanding men’s perceptions of masculinity, eating disorders, and therapy could inform efforts by researchers and clinicians to engage this overlooked and underserved group. Semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted with 15 men (53% White, 80% heterosexual, age range 26–69) who have not sought therapy for their diagnosable BSEDs. The interview guide focused on how men’s perspectives on masculinity, eating disorders, and therapy affect their decisions about seeking therapy for their BSEDs. Reflexive thematic analysis identified four main themes: (a) Men did not recognize their BSEDs. (b) Men stated that serious eating problems cause physical, not just mental, health consequences. (c) Even though many of these men had been in therapy, and even though they called their eating problems serious, they had often not seriously considered therapy for their BSEDs. (d) The men expressed appreciation and respect for men who sought therapy for their BSEDs. Societal expectations and a lack of information prevented many of these men from seeking treatment. Many men recognized their eating problems as serious but did not know that binge-eating disorder existed as a diagnosis. Furthermore, they wanted additional clarity about how therapy could effectively address BSEDs. These findings speak to the importance of raising awareness of BSEDs in men.